Description
Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then baked in a tangy, sweet, and vibrant glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and savory soy sauce. This dish balances fruity zest with rich flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion entrée.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Glaze
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a flavorful base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, which locks in juices and flavor.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until well combined, forming a bright and tangy sauce.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the cranberry orange glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, coating them thoroughly.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Baste the Chicken: About halfway through baking, spoon some of the glaze over the chicken again to enhance moisture and deepen flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a more tender bite.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken before serving for a pop of color and fresh aroma.
Notes
- Using freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh cranberries elevates the flavor but you can use bottled juice and frozen cranberries if needed.
- Ensure the skillet used is oven-safe to transition from stovetop to oven without transfer.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and maintain juiciness.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
- Leftover chicken is great for salads or sandwiches the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry orange glazed chicken, baked chicken breast, holiday chicken recipe, fruit glaze chicken, healthy chicken dinner
